A Night in Milan..
The other day I was thinking about how quickly 2014 has flown right by us.
I started thinking about my objectives for the year (aka resolutions..haha) and I met two of mine completely without trying. One of my resolutions was to live a healthier lifestyle and workout more frequently. I was able to accomplish this resolution just by setting aside 30 minutes- 1 hour a day. Now.. I can't imagine not going to the gym or having that time just to myself everyday.
The second goal i met was traveling more. It's not that i planned more trips this year... it's just that I made the jump when the opportunity presented itself. I traveled to NYC for work and extended my stay just so I can breathe in the beautiful city that I love and truly experienced it on a deeper level. I had no plans and as a result was able to see more of the city than i had on my previous trips. I went to Hawaii with family which I planned out with a set budget.. trust me it wasn't easy but ShawnVoyage.com definitely helped me out. Then I made a trip to Chicago since I had friends there and a free place to stay. This year I have definitely learned you can travel several times a year and still stick to your budget. No more staycations!
So here's the kicker.. I am hoping i can take a Euro-trip next summer!
Ideally I am planning on visiting Italy, France and Spain.
I have had the privilege of traveling Internationally since i was less than a year old so below are some pointers on traveling internationally and what i would do if i visited Milan, Italy!
Some Research I conducted on Milan:
- Milan is one of Italy's most dynamic, international and industrial cities.
- In comparison to other cities in Italy it has a more urban, modern mood which means fewer tourists.
- Milan has a reputation for being the World's fashion capital.
1. Language Barrier
I am leaving this as number one because it it very important to learn the language and cultural differences before you start packing! Are you okay with the countries culture? I definitely recommend using a site or resource like Rosetta stone to brush up on some language before you visit a country like Italy. I would also recommend trying out e-books and the below sites. You can always find free resources in the app store and online to save your precious dollars. The end goal is to be well versed enough in the language so you can get around and not be insensitive to the culture and language. You never know which corner you will turn.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/italian/
- http://www.oneworlditaliano.com/english/home.htm
- http://www.babbel.com/learn-italian-online
- Smartling.com also has a translation software that's super helpful!They provide all types of translation services.
2. Food:
- I always stick by my rule of eating local! Immerse yourself in the culture and seriously... who doesn't love Italian!
3. Weather:
- With its warm weather, thin crowds and relatively lower airfare, April is one of the best months to plan a trip to Italy.
- Although Spring is a great time to travel to Milan it is important to note they have spring showers so a light jacket is essential for packing.
4. Fashion:
It's important to know Milan's reputation as the World's fashion capital.
Milan just recently finished having Fashion week back in September so keeping up to date with the latest trends is something to be mindful of.
Here is what I would pack if I were going soon:
- Milan showed ton's of 70's fashion! Which is great. There were skinny jeans and NORMCORE pants. Which is a huge relief because now we can wear comfortable yet stylish jeans without having to suffocate inside skinnies during a trip.
- The below styles are comfortable and super on trend this season
- I also always like to stick to neutrals in general but specifically when traveling. That way everything matches!
- A light jacket most likely consisting of a tailored light trench coat is ideal, on trend and very versatile for a trip.
- Blacks, whites, and pops of color were all over the runways. Sticking close to classy tailored pieces will not only help keep packing to a minimum but also help in coordinating the pieces together.
- Scarfs are always essential for traveling- luckily they were on the runways and ideal for weather in Milan.
- Lots of shiny prints and sequins were on the runway so i would grab a sequin number i already have for going out at night! Maxy dresses were also very prevalent on the runway and are super comfortable for trips.
- Shoes
- Milan is no exception. Keep shoes to what's comfortable. Don a cute pair white sneakers that will go with everything. Oxfords were big trend on the runway along with gladiators and chunky heels. In general the shoes were more on the comfort side this year and completely wearable. I personally take one pair of sandals,a sneaker which i wear and a dressed up shoe in this case a thicker chunky heel or wedge for the night out.
5. Budget
- Don't spend money here trying to buy clothes, accessories. You want to do your shopping there.
- Did i mention fashion enough? You want to get your clothes at local boutiques. Remember you can always bring it back and get it tailored later.
- I learned the hard way to not spend money on souvenirs. Buying one great item that you can use back home is better than a bunch of items that will just take up space in your luggage.
- Speaking of luggage- stick to a carry on- you can replace it easily and you can always buy luggage in Milan! Less is More.
- Eat local- eat where the locals like to eat. There are so many useful apps these days that can save us time and money.
Hope you all enjoyed my advices and thoughts on what a trip to Milan would be like.
I have wanted to visit Italy since I was little so I hope to execute this plan soon.
I'm always open to feedback so let me know what you would suggest for my trip to Italy. :)
I would love to get more advice before my trip!
XOXO misslada
Credits:
- http://gtmministries.com/wp-content/uploads/milan-at-night.jpg
- http://shawnvoyage.com/
- http://www.pinterest.com/pin/551479916844915141/
- http://fashionista.com/2014/09/milan-spring-2015-trends#n-21-rs15-2020jpg
- http://www.stylebistro.com/25+Hottest+Shoes+of+Milan+Fashion+Week/articles/SFMAHKwbWtb/Pucci
